K-Pop’s legendary soloist AleXa has transformed herself over the years and returned to the music scene feeling more in-tune with her sound. Now under Sony Music, the unforgettable female star has reclaimed the space she once filled with “UMAMI,” an adrenaline-rush track that encompasses trap-inspired beats and industrial tones.
The talented singer and dancer from America was thrust into the K-Pop scene and dominated the market almost overnight with her overwhelmingly successful debut. Being edgier than most concepts, from sharp and rigorous dance routines to catchy earworms that defined her career, AleXa cultivated an empire for herself both internationally and in Korea. However, after some ups and downs with her last agency, AleXa stepped away in order to rediscover her musicality at a deeper level.
Returning with “UMAMI,” the energetic and repetitive track offers a new sound that veers off the course of AleXa’s familiar playground. With dance hall-inspired choreography and a hook perfect for TikTok, “UMAMI” is the playful party song that is set to introduce her album’s new concept that both old and new fans alike can enjoy. See what AleXa had to say to our readers in her greeting video and discover her rebranding process in ZAPZEE’s exclusive interview.
Q. Tell us about your return with your new song “UMAMI” – what was the process for making this song?
AleXa: Before leaving my label, I had no control over my music. I want to tackle every genre I want to in this new album. I just always wanted to have a party song that I can have fun performing, and everyone can enjoy singing to. Gwen Stefani’s “Holla Back Girl” inspired me alongside Doja Cat. The sound isn’t for everyone, but the lyrics are meant to be fun and tongue-in-cheek.
Q. Your previous songs had an obvious chic, futuristic and powerful tone, whereas “UMAMI” is more rambunctious, loud and accompanied by an infectious chorus. What made the switch in style?
AleXa: When I first debuted, the flashier aspects of K-Pop were the focus. It is concept art. I released “4EVR” before “UMAMI” as a typical Euro-party track, but I wanted to release a more playful song with more organic, high energy. We wrote this song in January of this year, and we struggled with whether the buildup of “Umami” should be the pre-chorus or chorus for the song. Now, I’m really satisfied and love the way this song turned out. I’m hoping I can showcase more performances of “UMAMI” on stage.
Q. Now that you’ve gained new independence, what do you pour your most creative freedom into? Newer concepts, lyrics, fashion, MV production, or choreography?
AleXa: I’m doing my own lyrics, composing and top lining, and I want my songs to be more natural and organic and be things I would say. Next on my to-do list is making beats and mastering vocal production. I was never allowed to be in the selection process of my own songs before, and I’m glad I can be more involved and write my own stuff. I have 10 songs that I am working on for this album – I’m hoping to show a variety of sounds that feel natural to me. This album is the chance for me to dip my toes into things I couldn’t under my previous label.
Q. Can you share any interesting stories or fun experiences from working on this song?
AleXa: When we made the song, it wasn’t written with the intent of having a performance element – the choreography came last minute for a gig in Sweden. My choreographer, Tina, rushed to create the intense choreography you can see in the performance video. The original choreography was super simple and TikTok-friendly, but for the official performance video, it was revamped. The filming also came out of my pocket, but it wasn’t the most low-budget video I have ever filmed.
Q. What unexpected hardships came from your more independently-driven solo career?
AleXa: Now that I manage myself more, I have more freedom with my music, but there were a lot more business aspects that I didn’t expect. I am taking my dance team with me to Istanbul, Turkey, so hiring dancers, paying tax fees, travel insurance, and all the other legalities that came with it have been hard to suddenly learn. I’m grateful I can be in control of things, but it is a lot of extra stress added.
Q. What are you doing in your downtime and how do you stay creative?
AleXa: I’ve always known how to balance my work life and personal life. I try to go out and live my life as normal as possible. Before moving to Korea and becoming an idol, I had such a normie life and was thrust into the idol world. Living with managers, social isolation- the typical things that come with being a K-Pop idol. Now, I just want to go to movies or get beer and ramen with friends at the Han River and have a fun, normal adult life– even if my artist life is a bit slower.
Q. Tell us about your overall style. Was there a particular style, color, or tone that this comeback was centered around when creating a track? What about cute concepts?
AleXa: I was given a cute concept one time for “Endorphin.” Recording it was the most tedious thing. I don’t hate cute concepts; I just don’t like it on me. My personal interests and aesthetics don’t fall in this category, and “UMAMI” is more authentic to me. My team likes it, and we love working on it together.
Q. Are there any K-Dramas you are interested in or watching lately?
AleXa: I don’t really have much time to watch K-Dramas these days, but I have been meaning to watch Masked Girl with NaNa.
Being the humble, down-to-earth, and talkative artist that she is, AleXa could go on for hours sharing interesting facts about herself and stories from her career. However, she wanted to leave a final message for fans and share her love for not only music but the support she has received over the years.
AleXa: Thank you to everyone who stuck around, whether it was following me before it all started on social media or through my show appearances like on Produce 48 and after my debut. I’m grateful people are interested in me and my music. Let’s see what I can do next! Thank you.
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What did you think of AleXa’s charming interview? Were you able to see a new and unexpected side of the artist? If you’re a fan of “UMAMI” and looking to indulge in more of AleXa’s artistry, don’t forget to follow her on Instagram and X (Twitter). You can also follow ZAPZEE for more exclusive interviews and watch your favorite K-Dramas for FREE on Amasian TV.
